Experts are recommending that drivers should have a bowl of water on their passenger seat while on the road.
The advice is an unusual hack to help motorists save money on petrol and diesel as fuel prices continue to drain finances for households across the country. And while the cost of a tank of petrol or diesel might not be at an all-time high right now, they're still among the highest they've ever been.
Motoring experts at ChooseMyCar.com have urged drivers to consider a few unusual fuel saving tips to help keep your car on the road this winter. The first is to keep a bowl of water in the passenger seat, reported Yorkshire Live.
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The experts said: "Keeping an open bowl of water on your passenger seat is a great deterrent for unnecessary acceleration and braking. It sounds a bit strange, but it is a simple and brilliant reminder to drive gently.
"If you hit the accelerator too hard, you'll see water pour out the sides. Likewise, if you're driving too fast and braking hard you'll notice water on the seat. The best bowls to use for this are small cereal bowls, with water about an inch from the top."
Other experts' tips include:
Park facing the morning sun
You might have to buy a compass - but this simple fuel saving hack will save you money. During winter months, if you’ve parked facing the morning sun, you’ll spend less time running the car to warm it up or to demist your windscreen.
Reverse park to face front
Did you know that by reversing into a parking space (or ensuring you are facing forward when you park) you will save fuel? Your car uses less fuel with a warm engine, so reverse parking when you arrive saves fuel, compared to reversing out with a cold engine when you leave.
Use your garage as an actual garage
By keeping your car warm in a garage, you will keep it at a better temperature for fuel economy. This will reduce your fuel consumption by using less air conditioning to heat or cool your car.
Empty your car out
Excess weight in your car can be a real fuel burner. It’s good practice to empty your car out daily - especially if you have particularly heavy items in there. So make sure you don’t drive to work on Monday morning with your golf clubs still in the boot.
Just don’t do it
Consider biking or walking to your destination. Not only will you save money on fuel, you can probably cancel your gym membership too. As a quick example, if your journey to work is five miles, you would save £416 per year - and boost your steps by 10,000 a day.
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